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About Tribal Relations

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APHIS is committed to helping Native American Tribes keep their agricultural

resources healthy and strong. By partnering with Native American producers,

communities, and organizations, we provide a variety of services that protect

animals and plants in Indian Country from harm.

Tribal Nations have the opportunity for timely and meaningful government-togovernment consultation with APHIS in developing policies that may have Tribal

implications. In keeping with the Presidential Executive Order on Tribal Consultation

and APHIS Directive 1040.3 (131.97 KB), we work continuously to maintain strong

partnerships that preserve Tribal sovereignty.

Learn more about USDA Tribal Consultation.

Our Work

Every operational program within APHIS can provide assistance and guidance to

Tribes. Through cooperative agreements, technical and emergency training, and

outreach activities, we help safeguard Tribal agricultural livestock, crops, and

natural resources from disease, pests, and wildlife damage. Learn more about APHIS'

programs:
Animal Care

Biotechnology Regulatory Services

International Services

Plant Protection and Quarantine

Veterinary Services

Wildlife Services

The APHIS Native American Working Group (ANAWG)—which includes about 70

representatives from all APHIS program areas—is an integral part of our work. The

group advises APHIS animal and plant health experts around the country about how

they can better serve Tribes, intertribal committees, and related organizations, such

as the Intertribal Agriculture Council. ANAWG also helps coordinate APHIS’

partnerships with Tribal governments. View our directory of ANAWG representatives

(703.86 KB).

Recent Workshops and Other Trainings

With the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, we cohosted the first Tribal

Emergency Preparedness and Response Training on Stillaguamish lands in

Washington State in April 2022. The training covered Federal incident emergency

response and support functions, current plant pests and animal disease threats and

surveillance activities, funding opportunities, and other topics important to Tribes.

At the 2022 Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Annual National Conference,

we hosted a Tribal Biologist Workshop for Disease Detection and Surveillance. Held

at the Miccosukee Tribe, in Miami, FL, participants learned how to test waterfowl for

highly pathogenic avian influenza, collect samples from deer to test for SARS-CoV-2,

and collect material from feral swine to test for swine diseases.

In June 2021, we offered a virtual training on Federal Indian Trust Responsibility, the

most important principle of the Government's relationship with American Indian

Tribes. View the Zoom recording from this training.

Partner Organizations and Resources

Want to learn more? There are many organizations that serve the needs and

interests of Indian Country. Explore here:
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians

American Indian Higher Education Consortium

American Indian Science and Engineering Society

Indian Nations Conservation Alliance

Intertribal Agriculture Council

Intertribal Nursery Council

Intertribal Timber Council

National Congress of American Indians

Native American Fish and Wildlife Society

Southwest Indian Agricultural Association

United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc.

Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council

U.S. Government Links of Interest

Visit these resources for more information on Government services and assistance

for Tribes.

USDA's Office of Tribal Relations

U.S. Department of the Interior: Indian Affairs Office of the Special Trustee and

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

U.S. Census Bureau: Native American Population Statistics

Contact Us

Terry W. Clark, DVM

Deputy Director, Office of the National Tribal Liaison

Email: terry.w.clark@usda.gov

Phone: 301-440-4388 

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